Month: April 2018

FEDEM, Monaco’s federation of employers, has just issued a special edition of Monaco Business News on the topic of energy transition, in French, with a forward by HSH Prince Albert.

In his introduction, the Sovereign Prince reiterates his target of a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, with the aim of carbon neutrality for the Principality in 2050. He continues to say that there are three main sources of carbon emissions in Monaco, traffic, waste disposal, and energy consumption in buildings.

As follow-up to the Livre Blanc [“The Energy Transition of the Principality of Monaco” presented in March 2017], the Prince explains he wanted “to create a national pact to mobilise our community in the broadest sense: Monegasques, residents, institutions and businesses, in reducing Monaco’s carbon footprint”.

Prince Albert thanks the first signatories of the Charter of the National Pact for Energy Transition. “I encourage all those who have not already done so to get involved alongside me.”

The Sovereign Prince congratulates FEDEM for its special edition of Monaco Business News consecrated to the energy transition pact. “This initiative contributes to the understanding of our collective initiative in favour of sustainable growth for the Principality.” He ends by saying, simply: “I’m counting on you.”

Francesco Grosoli, CEO Barclays, Private Bank EMEA & Monaco Branch, is also featured in Monaco Business News’ special green edition. “All initiatives to encourage companies and individuals to take concrete action to solve environmental problems are crucial,” Mr Grosoli states.

“At Barclays, we are committed to minimising our operational impact on the environment whenever and wherever possible. At our headquarters in Monaco, we have installed a new building management system that responsibly controls energy consumption devices and the efficient use of electricity and water. We have also put in place a vigorous waste sorting system for recycling.”

Last November, the Tourism and Convention Bureau presented the new slogan “Green is the new Glam,” which will be at the heart of its future initiatives and used in all international marketing.

READ ALSO 

Meet the Ministries: Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Minister for Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development

Around 10:30 pm Wednesday night, guests and workers evacuated the Novotel Monte-Carlo at 16 blvd Princesse Charlotte while fire alarms rang throughout the3-star hotel.

People spilled out onto the sidewalk as four fire trucks arrived on the scene. Several firefighters were seen wearings masks and heading down the stairs to extinguish the fire.

No injuries were reported, and an investigation will be launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

The Avant-Garde Novotel has 200 rooms and 15 meeting rooms.

On Wednesday, the Minister of State opened the Diplomatic Conference, organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. This event is held, as every year, in the Principality for two days and brings together Monaco’s entire Diplomatic Corps.

In his opening speech, Serge Telle spoke about the launch of the digital transition and underlined: “Monaco has the resources, structure and advantages to adapt to the digital revolution and make it a strength.” After highlighting the role of Ambassadors in this transition, he asked them about the means they need to support this change.

The Government Advisers then spoke on various topical issues of their respective Department. Stakeholders from the Monaco Economic Board, SBM and other entities followed to inform the Ambassadors on common themes. The day ended with a presentation entitled “Monaco and the ocean: from exploration to protection” offered by the Prince Albert II Foundation, the Oceanographic Museum and the Monaco Scientific Centre.

Tomorrow, a progress report on the state of negotiations between Monaco and Europe will be presented to the Ambassadors, as well as the results of the actions of the Directorate of International Cooperation.

The conference will end with a visit to the premises of MonacoTech, the Incubator /Accelerator Startup programme created by the State in partnership with Monaco Telecom.

READ ALSO

Prince Albert II Foundation: a ten-year retrospective with HE Bernard Fautrier

Rail services in France were hit hard again on Wednesday, the second day of a two-day stoppage. An estimated 86 percent of trains failed to run during the day, with tempers running high and reports of police being deployed to quell trouble.

This week’s strike is a taste of things to come, with similar stoppages planned every week until the end of June – and maybe even across the summer.

A group of trade unions is protesting against plans by President Macron to rationalise France’s rail service, the efficiency of which is compromised by the special status of rail workers and benefits not to found in other sectors, such as 28 days paid holiday per year, retirement at 52, and jobs for life after a two and a half year probationary period. Average wages for rail workers are also slightly higher than the French average, at €3,090 per month.

International rail services have also been affected, with five services from London to Paris and two services from London to Brussels and Lille cancelled on Wednesday.
The French rail service currently loses € billion each year, and the government is committed to major reform.

It will take several weeks to see if it’s the government or the unions who win the battle, but history does not present much hope for the reformers. A similar stand-off 20 years ago resulted in a government climbdown.

READ ALSO 

News